Nikon Updates Flagship Coolpix with P7100

The advanced compact Nikon Coolpix P7100 is introduced today. The P7100 offers some performance updates, bringing manual exposure control and point-and-shoot portability together in one compact package.

The Coolpix P7100 will use the same 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD imager that’s inside the P7000. It also uses the same 7.1x optical zoom VR-stabilized lens with two ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements. The differences start with a new 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD (921k-dots) which can be tilted and re-positioned for shooting in unusual positions. A new front sub-command dial has also been added for another layer of control.

Nikon also promises improvement to noise-reduction efforts by the P7100’s Expeed C2 image processor. New Low Noise Night Mode and Noise Reduction Filters aim to reduce grain in shots taken at high ISO sensitivities. Faster shutter lag times are promised, as well as improvements to shot-to-shot times. The P7100 will be capable of recording full-res JPEGS at up to 1.2 fps.

The AF system has also been given a facelift. Nikon claims that the P7100 will acquire and maintain focus better than its predecessor did. The P7100 will record 720p HD video with the option to utilize an external microphone such as Nikon’s ME-1 accessory. Operation of the camera’s optical zoom will be available in video mode, and the P7100 can be used with an optional 0.75x Wide-Angle Convertor for expansion to a 21mm focal length. Like the P7000, it will accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

Pricing and availabilityThe Nikon Coolpix P7100 will retail for $499.95 and will be available to US shoppers in mid September.